Entries in children's books
(422)

A fascinating look at numbers in the lives of animals. A caribou will grow and shed 10 sets of antlers in its lifetime. A male seahorse will carry and birth 1,000 tiny seahorses in a lifetime! More detailed information about the animals mentioned in the book awaits the reader at the end, along with how the writer used math to write Lifetime.

August is middle grade month for us at #littlelitbookseries. If you read any book this month with your upper graders (ages 8-12) before the school year starts, let it be this one.

Two fifth graders from totally different backgrounds don't share too much in common—at first. Ravi has just moved to America from India. Joe has APD (auditory processing disorder) and is subject to misunderstandings and difficulties in communicating. Save Me a Seat chronicles their story of standing up to one of the most intimidating bullies in their class and devising a plan to stop him over the course of a week. Each chapter alternates between Ravi's and Joe's perspectives. It's an exceptional story about friendship, acceptance and how assumptions are often wrong. And how "it's possible for a couple of zebras to outsmart a crocodile." It's relatable on so many levels. Glossaries and recipes from both characters are included in the back. A must-read.

For more notable middle grade books, check in at @littlelitbookseries throughout the month and head over to see other favorites of ours today by searching the hashtag #littlelitbookseries on Instagram.

Once your dog, always your dog. A lovely and affecting story of a boy and his dog and their moments of elation and sadness that will resonate deeply with those of us who have grown up with pets. The illustrations and text move together in a beautiful union — simple, graceful, honest and heartwarming. This photograph doesn’t do justice to the handsome texture of the cover, so we encourage you to seek this one out for yourselves, hold it in your hands, find a quiet spot and spend some time with it.

Gabrielle Balkan and Sol Linero, the team behind the phenomenal 50 States series, need no introduction. In 50 Cities of the USA, they set out to do something really special: paint a picture of each city's story, shining "a light on the people who strive to make their communities stronger, the places that encourage creativity, and the moments in history—even the history that we are making now—that highlight the achievements of our nation."

Each city map contains a quick introduction, key facts (including local lingo and a search-and-find game), icons that are unique to each city, a spotlight on a particular neighborhood and a timeline that shows an ideal day spent in the city (take note, travelers!). Also featured are important industries, experiences, and reading suggestions and resources for further exploration.

An incredible resource, meticulously written and researched, thoughtfully designed and gorgeously illustrated. We're blown away by the incredible care and work that went into producing 50 Cities. It's sure to inspire wonder and curiosity in so many ways, and is a must for every home library. Click here for a preview of the interior.

Look out, world, for Beatrice Zinker! We recently read this upside-down thinker's story and we are officially in love with her topsy-turvy ways. She's funny, spirited and slightly mischievous, and we love how she is an independent thinker, confident in her own skin and is one who stands her ground. SO fun and funny, and one of the most enjoyable reads we've had this summer. Shelley Johannes' energetic illustrations really bring Beatrice to life. Can we hope for a sequel (or an entire series)? Crossing our fingers!